NCHA Health Survey

The American College Health Association - National College Health Survey is a detailed behavioral risk survey, which allows us to compare the health of Rutgers Newark students to that of their National cohort. 1,220 undergraduate students took part in the survey this past Fall 2016.

Healthier than national average:

1) Alcohol use. RUN students consumed less alcohol (never used, amount consumed, or frequency) than national. 32% of RUN students never consumed alcohol vs. 22% nationally. There were fewer consequences related to alcohol such as blackouts, unprotected sex, or physical injury (17%, 20%, 8% respectively vs. 30%, 22%, 13%). However, there were more driving after drinking >5 drinks (2.8% vs. 1.6%)

2) Smoking. RUN students were more likely be non-smokers (79% vs. 78)% or non-marijuana users (68% vs. 61%). However, hookah use was much higher (10% of RUN students used hookah in the past 30 days vs. 4%). In addition, the use of marijuana in both RUN and national has been trending up.

3) Mental health. RUN students were less likely to be diagnosed or treated for ADHD, learning disability or psychiatric conditions (4.3%, 2.3%, 3.7% respectively vs. 6.4%, 4.4%, 7.6%) including depression (9% vs. 15%), anxiety (11% vs. 19%). However, stress related to family problems, finances and career issues were much higher than national (33%, 42%, 33% respectively vs. 29% 34%, 25%).

4) Sexual Behavior. RUN students were more likely to refrain from sexual activity than national (41% vs. 34%). However, for students who are sexually active, 36% did not use condom and the trend continues to go up.

Needs improvement:

1) Physical activity. RUN students tend not to exercise and do not meet the guidelines for physical activity (45% & 28% of RUN males & females respectively met guidelines vs. 52% & 46%).

2) Nutrition. RUN students are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables than national. Only 2.7% & 1% of RUN males & females respectively met the daily 5-7 serving recommendation vs. 4.4% & 5.3%).

3) Weight. RUN students were more likely to be overweight (BMI >25) than national (46% & 42% of RUN males & females respectively vs. 41% & 34%).

HS Health Promotion Division is actively working on ways to improve these health concerns for this coming school year 2017-2018.